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USB heated knee pads -- 'cause they can, that's why
Now you can add the $20 Warmmi "USB knee pads" to your USB heated ensemble. So what's keeping ya? Just toss your laptop into a rucksack and slip into a tethery outfit of USB knee pads, slippers, and gloves and head out to the Burning Man playa, playah. Just leave the USB lap warmer at home -- hippies hate anything Hello Kitty.
USB missle control tank ups office arsenal
USB circus cannons and stationary missile launchers are one thing, but if you really want to intimidate your co-workers (and, quite likely, get fired) you'll need to let one of these bad boys loose to roam the cubicles. While it's not completely USB-powered, plugging the tank's controller into your PC will cut down on the need for some batteries, as well as increase the number of control options (and hacking potential) at your disposal, letting you point and click your way to your desired target. The tank is also apparently no slouch when it comes to navigating hazardous terrain, able to climb a 30 degree slope and traverse rough roads (i.e. carpet), all while simultaneously being able to aim its on-board missile launcher and deliver a "precise missile strike" at targets up to 20 feet away. Naturally, it also comes equipped with a full compliment of sound effects, though we somehow suspect that won't stop you form supplying your own. At $80 plus $40 for shipping and handling, the price may be a tad exorbitant, but the sight of the tank doing its thing in the video after the break almost makes it seem worth it.
USB AirSoft turret mows down unsuspecting office mates
Where else but the good ole US of A would we revel in crafting items that not only utilized that oh-so-lonely USB port on the rear of your leased laptop, but had the potential to "deliver welts" to unsuspecting co-workers? While the pre-packaged USB missile launchers are quite the novel desk adornment, this DIY job seriously brings the heat (and the pain). While the modder responsible here envisions a more robust, costly, and dangerous version in the future, his 1.0 edition features a $19 electronic AirSoft gun, the turret base from an aforementioned USB missile launcher, super glue, and the usual compliment of assembly tools. After disassembling the launcher and tapping into its base, a bit of fancy wire work is required to affix the more powerful AirSoft gun to the rotating turret. A few more screws and finagling, and you're all set to demolish the fun at your annual holiday bash, all for just around $70 and a few hours of your time. So if you couldn't handle boot camp, but still have a passion for mechanical sentries, be sure to hit the read link for the full skinny.[Via HackADay]
Thanko's hand-warming / snow globe holiday mice
If you just so happen to be in the market for a new mouse or off-the-wall hand-warming device, Japan's own Thanko has just the things. If you're down with a bit of holiday cheer, the admittedly unsightly snow globe mouse sports a bright, smiling face across the buttons, actual snow globe in the casing, and USB connectivity; additionally, Frosty can get his party on with the seven color-changing LEDs that light up the dome. If all that glitz just screams overkill, the hand-warmer mouse can keep your palm toasty as the snow trickles down outside your window, and the adjustable temperature knob can prevent unnecessary perspiration from accruing. Both mice sport 800dpi optical sensors and light-up when connected to a powered USB port, and the heater-equipped version can be had for ¥2,980 ($25), while the Santa-approved variety demands just ¥980 ($8.32).Read - Thanko's hand-warming mouse [Via The Raw Feed]Read - Thanko's snow globe mouse [Via The Raw Feed]
The USB-powered hamster wheel
If your office isn't quite overrun with newfangled USB-powered devices, well, maybe it should be. Joining the staggeringly-long list of lava lamps, seat coolers, deco lights, and other curious adornments, the USB hamster wheel is yet another incredibly novel way to make a spare USB port feel appreciated. Although most of these gizmos distract you (and your co-workers) from meeting those deadlines, this rodent could very well assist in boosting your productivity level. After the little guy's software is loaded up and he's all plugged in, just start typing to see his wee legs start to move. The quicker you type, the quicker he scurries, and we assume you don't even have to type actual words to get that wheel a-spinnin'; if an alarming stream of smoke begins to form, you can let the critter cool off by just flipping the on / off switch. Oddly enough, this USB-powered device still requires a couple AA batteries to operate, but if you need an alternate form of motivation to get you going each morning, the hamster wheel is available now for £24.95 ($47).[Via Uber-Review]
USB mini paper shredder
So you're the type who must be ready to purge all trace of your existence at a moment's notice, eh? Then check it secret agent man, 'cause USB Geek, as only they can, are offering the USB mini Paper Shredder and, uh, letter opener for those of you given a number without a name. Capable of throating 4.8-inch wide paper and shredding it to 0.13-inch bits, this pup can be powered off USB or even 4 x AA batteries when you need a bit more disposal oomph. Get your $32 pre-order in now 'cause odds are, you won't live to see tomorrow.
